MUSI 006B. Music and War

(Cross-listed as PEAC 006)
What is music’s function during wartime? For centuries and across cultures, music has both served war and provided comfort from it; illustrated war’s victories and provided a means of processing terror and death. This course explores the various contexts and motivations for music making during wartime by focusing on the two world wars of the 20th century. Drawing on a wide range of music, from folk songs and popular hit tunes to art music intended for the concert stage, we will consider: what are the moral dimensions of music during wartime? Do wars shape musical styles? Are there enduring lessons to be learned from the music of WWI and WWII?
Humanities.
1 credit.
Fall 2025. Milewski.
Catalog chapter: Music
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/music

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